Corn-planter



Patented Mar. 7, |899.

Nh. 620,7lo.

C. E. JACKSON.

CORN PLANTER.

(Application Bled Jan. 17, 1898.)

(No Model.)

No. 620,7!0. Patented Mar. 7, |899. C. E. JACKSON.

CORN PLANTER.

(Application led Jan. 17, 1895.) (lo Nudel.) 4 Sheds-Sheet 2.

Patented' Mai. 7, |899. c. E. JAGKSUN.

un. 620,7Io.

CORN PLANTER. (Appxiceion med aan. 17, 189s.)

#Sheets-Sheet 3.

(No Model.)

No. 620,7I0. Patented Mar. 7, |899.

` C. E. JACKSON.

CORN PLAHTER.

(Application led Jan. 17, 1898.)

(N0 Mlil.) 4'Sheets-Sheet 4,.

NiTED STATES PATENT OFFICE.'

CHARLES E. JACKSON, OF ROOKFORD, ILLINOIS.

CORN-PLANTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 620,710, dated March '7, 1899. Application filed January 17,1898. Serial No. 666,902. (No model.)

T0 all whom, t may concern.'

Beit known that I, CHARLES E. JAoKsoN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Rockford, in the county of Winnebago and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Corn-Planters, of which the following is a specification.

The object of this invention is to produce an accurate practical selfchecking cornplanter. To accomplish this result, I have employed the ordinary planter-frame and its supporting-wheels, but have supplied mechanism by which the power necessary to move the dropping valves or slides is furnished by the supporting-wheels and stored in suitable springs, and the force thus reserved is released to operate the checking-slide by devices on an endless measuring-chain, which spreads itself upon the surface of the ground underneath the planter-frame as the latter travels over the field. Prongs at regular intervals extending from certain of the links of this endless chain enter the soil and not only aid in preventing that portion of the chain which lies in contact with the ground from slipping or movin g with relation thereto,but makes marks thereon to indicate the position of the cornhills fora purpose to be hereinafter explained. By increasing or diminishing the number of releasing devices on the measuring-chain the frequency of the corn-hills is varied.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a corn-planter embodying the features of my invention,certain parts being removed to show the operative mechanism. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the planter. Fig. 3 is a skeleton plan view illustrating the marker and the manner of its attachment to the planter-frame. Fig. 4 is a fragmental view of the releasing device for the checking mechanism. Fig. 5 is an edge wiew of the sprocket-wheel shown in the preceding figure to illustrate the roller-bearing tripping-link. Fig. 6 is a perspective-view of one of the pronged links for the endless measuring-chain. Fig. '7 is a view of the checking-barand its detent. Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan view of the mechanism for storing power to actuate the checking-bar of the corn-planter.

Like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

A is the main frame of the corn-planter,

A is the axle therefor, and A2 are the supporting-wheels. These wheels have aratchet connection of common form with the axle so arranged that either or both Will drive the axle when the planter is moved forward and will slip thereon when turned backward. The planter-frame is jointed at A2, as is usual in planters of this form. o

B and B are two endless chains and their supporting sprocket-wheels for transmitting power from the axle A to the shaft B2, journaled in the main frame A. This shaft is rotated constantly in .one direction during the forward travel of the planter.

B3 and B4 are bevel-gears, facing one another, loosely mounted on the shaft B2.

B5 is a clutch-collar arranged to rotate with the shaft B2, but having an endwise movement to permit of its engagement with one or the other of the bevel-gears B3 B4, thereby imparting the motion of the shaft B2 to the bevel-gear with which the clutch B5 is in engagement.

O is a shifting-lever for the clutch-collar B5, having the pivot C in the curving arm O2 rigidly fixed to the checking-bar, which extends between the corn-boxes of the planter.

C2 are arms rigidly mounted on and projecting forwardly from the curving arm C2.

D is a shaft journaled in the main frame A, extending at' right angles to the shaft B2.

D is a bevel-gear fixed on the shaft D, having an engagement with both of the gears B3 B4.

D2 is a bevel-gear also fixed on the shaft D.

E is a screw-threaded shaft extending parallel with the line of the shaft B2, journaled in the main frame A. The bevel-gear E is rigidly mounted on the shaft E and meshes with the gear D2.

E2 is a nut adapted to travel on the screwthreads of the shaft E, while the guide-rod E2 prevents the nut from turning with the shaft E.

E4 is a pin projecting upward from the nut It will be seen from the foregoing that the screw-shaft E is capable of rotation in either direction, such direction depending upon the engagement of one or the other of the bevelgears B3 B4 by the clutch-collar B5.

H is a spring-actuated detent or plunger IOO capable of a slight vertical movement. H is a bracket therefor.

H2 is the plunger-spring, lying between the upper part of the bracket H and the pin H2,

rigidly secured thereto, which rod is pro vided with the antifriction-roller H6, by means of which arm and rod the plunger H is lifted against the action of the spring H2 out of the opening G6 in the checking-bar G, with which the plunger is in engagement.

The foregoing describes the mechanism whereby the power for operating the checking-slides and dropping the corn in the hills is stored in the springs G4 G2. Its operation is as follows: Motion from the supportingwheels is transmitted to the shaft B2 by the endless-chain gearing B and B' and is further communicated to the screw-threaded shaft E by the intermediate shaft D and the bevelgears D D2, fixed thereon. The direction of the rotation of the screw-threaded shaft E, however, depends upon which one of the bevel-gears B3 B4 is engaged by the clutchcollar B5 of the shaft B2. As the screwthreaded shaft E is rotated the nut E2 thereon is fed along the guide-rod E2, and one or the other of the springs G4 G5 is extended by reason of the connection between the spring and the nut E2. When the pin E4 has traveled the length of the slotted opening F' in the bar F, it commences-to move the said bar, turning the shifting-lever C upon its pivot C' and distending one of the coil-springs F3. Vhen the shifting-lever C has been moved a certain distance, the clutch-collar B5 is withdrawn from its engagement with either of the bevel-gears B3 B4, and motion from the supporting-wheels is not communicated farther than the shaft B2. By this action of the mechanisln the checking-bar G is held at one of the extremes of its throw by the engagement lof one of the openings GG therein bythe plunger H against the tension of one of the springs G4 or G5 and ready to be released to the action of the said spring when the proper time at J 9 with the framework J 7 and an adjustable connection J1() with the lifting-bar J 11.

J12 is a bracket for the support of the lifting-bar J 41, and J13 is a lifting-lever for adjusting the height of the lifting-bar J11 and the shoe J 2.

J14 is a roller-link, it being similar to the other links ofthe measuring-chain J, excepting that it provides a pivot for the reception of an antifriction-roller J15 and has an arm J16 for bearing against the side of the sprocketwheel to prevent the link from turning when the roller J15 engages the roller-H6.

When the planter moves forward, the measuring-chain runs idly upon its supporting sprocket-wheels, its lower side lying stationary upon the ground. Provision is made by slotted openings in the sides of the framework J 7 to alter its length and toadjust the position of the links J and J14.

K is a sector lifting-lever.

K is a coil-spring intervening between the lower arm of the lever K and a point on the forward portion of the main frame for raising the latter from the ground and carrying the weight thereof upon the supporting-wheels A2. The foot-brackets K2 and their supporting-bar KB form a part of the lever K and are to assist in the operation thereof. l

L is a sector lifting-lever, its purpose being t0 raise bodily the measuring-chain and the entire mechanism having connection therewith by means of the link L.

M is a seat for the operator, and M' are seatsupports. M2 and M2 are eyes or loops in one of these supports.

N is a marker for indicating the drivingline across the field. N' is the supportingarm therefor, having a swivel connection with the rear part of the main frame.

N2 is a shifting-rod for the marker, having a hook connection with the eye M2. The shifting-rod extends obliquely forward from the eye, resting in one of the two forked brackets Of at either side of the main frame A. v

N3 is a cord for connecting the outer end of the shifting-rod N with the outer end of the marker-armt To shift the marker after turning the planter, as at the end of a row, the operator lifts the shifting-bar N2, and the marker-arm readily swings about to the opposite side of the machine, turning in its swivel connection with the main frame A.

N4 is a sheave loosely hung under the operators seat M.

N5 is a chain connecting the rear end of the arm K2 of the lever K with the marker-arm, passing intermediately over the sheave N4. This latter connection causes the markerarm to be raised whenever the forward portion of the planter is lifted as in turning.

O is the setting-bar, by means of which the planter maybe started, so as to plant the hills of corn in transverse rows. It has the bearing-brackets O, in which it is free to slide, and the arms O2, extending downward from IOO IIO

either end of the bar O. A cord O3 extends from end to end of this bar, passing through openings in the brackets O and the eye il' 5 to be within reach of the operator.

O4 are two notched brackets for receiving the arms O2 and holding them in a vertical position. The parts of the mechanism are relatively so arranged that when the arm O2, thrown outward as far as possible from the side of the planter, is directly over the mark made in the ground by one of the pronged links J of the measuring-chain J and the roller-link J1'1 is just leaving the sprocket J 5 the checking mechanism will drop a hill of corn transversely opposite the hill on the next adjacent row.

In starting the planter in the field the marker is set on the proper side of the niachine, the measuring-chain and its framework are lowered by the lever L, so that their weight rests upon the ground, the forward part of the main frame is likewise adjusted by means of the lever K, and the planter started forward. As the axle A rotates the endless chains B and B and the shaft B2 are driven. The clutch-collar B5, rotating constantly with the shaft B2, will probably be in engagement with one of the bevel-gears B3 B4, I will say, for. purposes of illustration, with the former, which will then be driven with the shaft B2. Motion will thus be communicated through the shaft D and its bevelgears to the screw-threaded shaft E, which will be rotated in such a directionthat the nut E2 will travel thereon from left to right as the planter faces, and tension will be given to the spring G4.

The pin E'l on the nut E2 travels the length of the slotted opening F in the bar F, and continuing in its movement forces the said bar lengthwise in the same direction. rlhe bar F has a pivotal connection with the shifting-lever C, and the latter has a connection with and moves the clutch-collar B5 lengthwise of the shaft B2, so that when the rod F is moved a little distance the lever C is oscillated on its pivot C' and the clutch-collar B5 withdrawn from engagement with the gear The tension of the spring G4 now tends to draw the checking-bar G from left to right, but the bar is retained in plunger-rod H.

Vhen the measuring-chain J is rotated sufiiciently to bring the roller J15 of the link J14 into engagement with the roller H5, the plunger-rod His raised from the opening G6 in the checking-bar G, and the spring G4 quickly draws the latter bar to the opposite extremity of its throw, where it is held by the plunger H entering the other opening GG of the bar. The curving bracket C2 being rigidly mounted on the checking-bar G is also moved toward the right by the reciprocation of the bar a sufficient distance to cause the clutch-collar to engage the bevel-gear B4. Continued mot-ion of the shaft B2 causes the screwthreaded s haftE to be again rotated, but in the position by theopposite direction, whereby the movement of the nut E2 will impart tension to the spring G5, and thus prepare for an opposite movement of the checking bar G. When the proper tension has been given to the spring G5, the lever G is moved to such a position that the clutch-collar B5 rotates intermediate the gears B5 B4 without engaging either until the checking-bar G is tripped by the roller J5 of the link JM. The mechanism may be geared up sufficiently that the travel of only a few inches of the planter upon the ground will set the parts for checking The frequency of the checking is governed by the number of roller-links J15 in the chain, and this number may be altered to suit the requirements of the occasion. The length of the measuring-chain may also be varied, provision for this adjustment being made in the slotted openin gs in the framework J 7. Vhen the end of the row is reached, the forward part of the planteris raised for turning, which also raises the marker from the ground and the measuring-chain and its frame. Then the planter has been turned, the marker is thrown to the opposite side of the machine by the rod N2 without necessitating the operator leaving his seat, the machine moved so that the arm O2 of the setting-bar O stands just over one of the marks made by a pronged link in the measuring-chain between the two next rows, the measuring-chain adjusted so that one of the roller-links J14 will bel just leaving the sprocket J 5, the lever K thrown forward to lower the mechanism to the ground, and the planter started across the field. The measuring-chain may be set at any desirable height by the lever L; but no movement of the lever will cause a movement of the chain upon its supporting-sprockets, so as to move the tripping device, inasmuch as the frame JT is jointed at its forward end and has a compensating movement when the lever L is ICO IIO

moved, always remaining at substantially the same tension.

W'hen it is desirable to raise or lower the runner JS and the forward end of the frame ing power to said spring, and a release for the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

3. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, supporting-wheels therefor, a seedreceptacle, a seed-dropping device, a detent therefor, a spring for actuating the seed-dropping device, a connection between the said spring and the supporting-wheels for imparting power to the spring, and a release for the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

4. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, supporting-wheels therefor, a seedreceptacle, a seed-dropping device, a detent therefor, a spring for actuating the seed-dropping device, a screw-threaded shaft, a nut on the shaft, means for rotating the screwthreaded shaft, a connection between the spring and the nut, and a release for the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

5. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, supporting-wheels therefor, a seedreceptacle, a seed-dropping device, a detent therefor, a spring for actuating the seed-dropping device, a connection between the spring and the supporting-wheels for imparting tension to the spring, and a release for the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

6. In a corn-planter, in combination, amain frame, a rotatable axle for the frame, supporting-wheels mounted on the axle and having a ratchet connection therewith, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, means for storing power to actuate the seed-dropping device, a detent for the dropping device, and a release for said detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

7. In acorn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a rotatable axle for the frame, supporting-wheels mounted on the axle, and having a ratchet connection therewith, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, a detent for the dropping device, a spring for actuating the dropping device, a screw-threaded shaft for imparting power to the said spring, which shaft has a connection with the rotatable axle, and a release for the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

8. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a rotatable axle for the frame, supporting-wheels mounted on the axle and having a ratchet connection therewith, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, a detent for the dropping device, a spring for actuating the dropping device, a screw-threaded shaft, a nut thereon havinga connection with the said spring, means for communicating motion from the rotatable axle to the screw-threaded shaft, and a releasing device for the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

9. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a rotatable axle, supporting-wheels on the axle, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping valve, a rod and a detent for said valve, a spring for actuating the valve to drop, a screwthreaded shaft capable of being rotated by a connection with the axle, a nut on the shaft for giving tension to the spring, and a releasing device for the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

l0. In a corn planter, in combination, a main frame, a rotatable axle, supportingwheels on the axle, a seed-receptacle, two seed dropping valves, a rod between the valves, a detent for the valves, a rotatable screw-threaded shaft, a nut on the shaft, two springs having a connection with the nut and the rod, a bracket aihxed to the rod, a shifting-lever for changing the direction of the rotation of the screw-threaded shaft, pivoted in the bracket, a connection between the nut and the shifting-lever, and a releasing device for the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

ll. In a corn -planter, in combination, a main frame, a rotatable axle, supportingwheels on the axle, two seed-receptacles, two seed-dropping valves, a rod extending between the valves, a detent for the valves, a rotatable screw-threaded shaft, a nut on the shaft, two springs attached to the valve-rod and having a connection with the nut, a shaft mounted in the main frame and having a rotatable connection with the axle, two bevelgears loosely mounted on the last-named shaft, a clutch between the gears capable of engaging either one with the shaft, a bracket aixed to the valve-rod, a shifting-lever pivotally mounted on said bracket, and having an engagement with said clutch, an arm having a pivotal engagement with the nut and the shifting-lever, and a releasing device for the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

l2. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a rotatable axle, supportingwheels on the axle, two seed-receptacles, two seed-dropping valves, a rod extending between the valves, a detent for the valves, a rotatable screw-threaded shaft, a nut on the shaft, two springs attached to the valve-rod and having a connection with the nut, a shaft rotatably mounted in the main frame, a driving connection between the axle and the lastmentioned shaft, two bevel gears loosely mounted on the shaft, a clutch for engaging either of said gears with the shaft, a gear connection between the bevel-gears and the screw-threaded shaft for rotating the latter, a bracket fixed to the valve-rod, a shiftinglever for operating the clutch pivotally mounted on said bracket, an arm extending from IOC IIC

the nut to the said shifting-lever and having i a pivotal connection with both the nut and the lever, and a releasing device for the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

13. In a cornplanter, in combination, a main frame, a rotatable axle, supportingwheels on the axle, two seed-receptacles, two seed-dropping valves, a rod extending between the valves, a detent for the valves, a rotatable screw-threaded shaft, a nut on the shaft, two springs attached to the valve-rod and having a connection with the nut, a shaft rotatably mounted in the main frame, a driving connection between the axle and the lastmentioned shaft, two bevelgears loosely mounted on the shaft, a clutch for engaging either ofsaid gears with the shaft, a gear connection between the bevel-gears and the screw-threaded shaft for rotating the latter, a bracket iixed to the valve-rod, two arms projecting from the bracket, a shifting-lever for operating the clutch, pivotally mounted on said bracket, an arm extending from the nut to the said shifting-lever and having a pivotal connection with both the nut and the lever, a spring extending between each of the arms on the bracket and the arm pivoted to the shifting-lever, and a releasing device for the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

I4. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, a detent for the dropping device and a releasing device for said detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

l5. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, means for storing power, to actuate the seed-dropping device, a detent for the dropping device, and a revolving releasing device for said detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

1G. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, means for storing power to actuate the seed-dropping device, a detent for the dropping device, and an endless measuring-belt for releasing the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

I7. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, means for storing power to actuate the seed-dropping device, a detent for the dropping device, a sprocket-wheel, au endless measuring-chain one of the links of which has a projecting pivot and a bracket-arm for extending bythe side of the sprocket-wheel,

and a roller mounted upon the pivot, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

IS. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, means for storing power to actuate the seed-dropping device, a detent for the dropping device, and an endless measuring-chain having projections extending therefrom for releasing the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

19. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, means for storing power to actuate the seed-dropping device, a detent for the dropping device, an endless chain belt, sprocket-wheels therefor, one of the links of said belt havinga projection for releasing the detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

20. In a corn-planter, in combination, a mainframe, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, means for storing power, to actuate the seed-dropping device, a detent for the dropping device, an endless measuringchain, a supporting frame for the chain, sprockets for the chain, journaled in the frame, one of the links of said belt having a projection for releasing the detent,aud means for raisin g bodily the supporting-frame for the measuring-chain, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2l. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, means for storing power to actuate the seed-dropping device, a detent for the dropping device, an endless measuringchain, a supporting-frame for the chain, having a jointed compensating portion, a shoe pivoted to the frame, a lifting-lever for the shoe and the forward end of the said frame, and a lever for lifting the frame bodily, substantially as and for the purpose specied.

22. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, a rotatable axle journaled therein, supporting-wheels on the axle, having a ratchet connection therewith, a seed-receptacle, a seed-dropping device, means for storing power to actuate the seed-dropping device, a detent for the seed-droppin g device, and a release for said detent, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

23. In a corn planter, in combination, a main frame, supporting-wheels therefor, a corn-planting device, a marker-arm, a marker on the arm, a rod extending obliquely forward from the main frame, and a iexible connection between the marker-arm and the rod, substantially as and for the purpose specied.

24. In a corn planter, in combination, a main frame, supporting-wheels therefor, a corn-plantin g device, a marker-arm, having a swivel connection with the main frame, a marker on the arm, arod extending obliquely forward from the main frame, and a flexible connection between the rod and the markerarm, substantially as and for the purpose specified.-

25. In a corn-planter, in combination, a main frame, supporting-wheels therefor, a corn-planting device, a device for making a ICC) IIG

mark in the ground between the corn-hills as they are planted, a bracket on the main frame,

la sliding rod therein, an arm near the end of Witnesses.:

L. L. MILLER, NELLIE BUNKER. 

